Cross River Rail

A report titled the 2008 Inner City Rail Capacity Study predicted that the demand for Brisbane peak train services would double by 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/media-releases/release/79 |title=Cross River Rail key to city's transport future |date=12 May 2009 |publisher=TransLink Transit Authority |access-date=11 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201050659/http://translink.com.au/about-translink/reporting-and-publications/media-releases/release/79 |archive-date=1 December 2010 |df=dmy-all }} The Infrastructure Australia review of the current project highlighted that the 2011 business case projected the 2016 rail patronage – without Cross River Rail – as 374,000 passengers per day. The Queensland Rail Annual Report for 2015–16 reports patronage of approximately 150,000 passengers per day for the Citytrain network in 2015–16.{{Cite web|url=https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Documents/Queensland%20Rail%20FY2015-16%20Annual%20and%20Financial%20Report%20-%20FINAL%20-%20LR.pdf|title=Queensland Rail Annual and Financial Report 2015-16|access-date=8 November 2017|archive-date=13 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313130447/https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Documents/Queensland%20Rail%20FY2015-16%20Annual%20and%20Financial%20Report%20-%20FINAL%20-%20LR.pdf|url-status=dead}} Between Salisbury and Dutton Park the existing line is used by freight trains traveling to the Port of Brisbane and a terminal at Acacia Ridge, and the expected rise in the number of passengers services may interrupt freight services unless a new line is built. The Merivale Bridge is the only inner-city rail crossing in Brisbane, and by 2016 it was expected to be over capacity, leading the Queensland Government to plan for this project.{{cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-cbds-new-underground-station-revealed-20100713-108l8.html?autostart=1 |title=Brisbane CBD's new underground station revealed |author=Tony Moore |access-date=11 November 2010 |date=13 July 2010 |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-date=22 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922132955/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbane-cbds-new-underground-station-revealed-20100713-108l8.html?autostart=1 |url-status=live }}

The original plans for the project were released on 11 November 2010. The project included a {{convert|9.8|km|mi|adj=on}} tunnel, two new surface stations as well as four new underground stations. Upgrades to Moorooka and Rocklea were also proposed. Underground stations were proposed to include retail facilities, and a maximum of 120,000 passengers were claimed to be able to be moved during the morning peak period.{{cite web |url=http://rail-news.com/2010/07/13/first-underground-train-station-for-brisbane/ |title=First underground train station for Brisbane |date=13 July 2010 |publisher=RailStaff Publications Limited |access-date=15 November 2010 |archive-date=25 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825144415/http://rail-news.com/2010/07/13/first-underground-train-station-for-brisbane/ |url-status=live }}

The city station was to be built under Albert Street, with two entrances and allowing for trains up to {{Cvt|200|m|ftin}} in length.{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/major-hotel-to-make-way-for-cross-river-rail-20101111-17ojm.html |title=Major hotel to make way for cross river rail |author=Tony Moore |access-date=11 November 2010 |date=11 November 2010 |newspaper=Brisbane Times, Fairfax Media |archive-date=12 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112210340/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/major-hotel-to-make-way-for-cross-river-rail-20101111-17ojm.html |url-status=live }} Proposed stations at Woolloongabba and Exhibition were to be named The Gabba and The Ekka respectively.

Yeerongpilly was chosen as the southern portal because it had less impact on residents than a tunnel entrance at Fairfield. An entrance there would allow trains on the Ipswich railway line to use the tunnel via the Tennyson railway line.{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/rail-line-to-wipe-out-66-properties-20100915-15bhy.html |title=Rail line to wipe out 66 properties |author=Tony Moore |access-date=11 November 2010 |date=15 September 2010 |work=Brisbane Times |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-date=20 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120040028/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/rail-line-to-wipe-out-66-properties-20100915-15bhy.html |url-status=live }} It also allowed the existing rail yards at Clapham to be used as stabling yards, negating the need to build a new storage depot for trains elsewhere.

In June 2012, the newly elected Newman Government announced plans for a scaled down version of the project estimated to cost $4.5 billion. The revised plan excluded upgrades to existing stations and extra above-ground train lines south or north of the new tunnel. The revised plan was expected to be completed by 2020. Thirty-nine commercial properties were to have been resumed for the project, including the Royal on the Park hotel{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/11/3063538.htm |title=New Brisbane cross-river rail details released |access-date=11 November 2010 |date=11 November 2010 |work=ABC News Online |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=12 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112020613/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/11/3063538.htm |url-status=dead }} and another nine properties in the central business district. One hundred and five residential properties at Yeerongpilly were to have been resumed for the expansion of the Yeerongpilly railway station.

{{main|BaT Tunnel}}

{{seealso|Construction of Queensland railways}}In November 2013, the Queensland Government announced a revised plan for the BaT (Bus and Train) project as an alternative to the previous Cross River Rail proposal. The revised plan involved a {{Cvt|14.8|m|ftin}} external diameter ({{Cvt|13.5|m|ftin}} internal diameter) {{convert|5.4|km|mi}} tunnel to accommodate both a dual track rail line on the lower level and a two lane busway above. The cost was expected to be $5 billion with construction proposed to start in 2015 and completion in 2021.[http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/double-deck-rail-and-bus-tunnel-proposed-for-brisbane.html Double-deck rail and bus tunnel proposed for Brisbane] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228012631/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/double-deck-rail-and-bus-tunnel-proposed-for-brisbane.html |date=28 February 2014 }} Railway Gazette International.{{cite web |url=http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ubat |title=Underground Bus and Train |publisher=Queensland Government Department of Main Roads |date=2013-11-22 |access-date=5 December 2013 |archive-date=7 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207065921/http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ubat |url-status=dead }} Citytrain patronage is quoted as having increased at an annual average of 3.4% between 2006 and 2012, compared to an average annual population increase of 2.4% over the same period, confirming forecasts that the Merivale Bridge will reach capacity some time between 2016 and 2021. However, this capacity constraint may be over pessimistic as doubt has been cast on the pre-2009 figures supplied by Queensland Rail due to double counting of patronage figures.Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Research Report, No 131, 2012, p48

The current 2016 proposed {{convert|10.2|km|mi|adj=on}} rail link involves building a new {{convert|5.9|km|mi|adj=on|abbr=}} tunnel under the Brisbane River and the Brisbane central business district, creating five new inner city station precincts, and increasing the core capacity of the rail network. The alignment will extend from Dutton Park, through four new underground stations at Boggo Road (adjacent to the Boggo Road busway station), Woolloongabba, Albert Street and Roma Street, towards upgraded stations at Exhibition and Bowen Hills.{{Cite web|url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cross-river-rail-tunnel-back-on-table-in-brisbane-20160406-go0ark.html|title=Tunnel vision back on the table for Brisbane|last=Remeikis|first=Amy|website=Brisbane Times|language=en-US|access-date=2016-04-08|archive-date=8 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408072756/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cross-river-rail-tunnel-back-on-table-in-brisbane-20160406-go0ark.html|url-status=live}} A new line through the city centre was needed because of the centralised nature of the existing inner-city network of stations.{{Cite web |url=https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/54466/Building-Queensland-Business-Case-LR.pdf |title=Cross River Rail Business Case August 2017 |access-date=23 October 2021 |page=10, 51, 54, 111 |publisher=Government of Queensland |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023005547/https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/54466/Building-Queensland-Business-Case-LR.pdf |url-status=live }} If any inner-city services were interrupted it led to traffic bottlenecks that rippled across city-wide services.

The tunnel will utilise the European Train Control System, and Automatic Train Operation. The maximum capacity is 24 trains per hour in each direction.{{cite web |date=29 May 2020 |title=Cross River Rail: Everything You Need to Know |url=https://www.theurbandeveloper.com/articles/cross-river-rail-brisbane |access-date=23 October 2012 |website=The Urban Developer |publisher=The Urban Developer.com |archive-date=24 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024115745/https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/cross-river-rail-brisbane |url-status=live }} According to the project's business case the desired design speed is {{Cvt|80|km/h}}. The four new underground stations will have platform screen doors, a first for Brisbane.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-19 |title=ST Engineering to supply platform screen doors for Cross River Rail project |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/st-engineering-supply-psd-cross-river-rail/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US |archive-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714041201/https://www.railway-technology.com/news/st-engineering-supply-psd-cross-river-rail/ |url-status=live }} Platforms will be 220m long to accommodate future nine-car trains, though the tunnel will initially run six-car trains. The project will utilise a combination of construction methods, including cut-and-cover station box construction for some stations, mined station caverns for the CBD stations, and both Tunnel Boring Machines and Road-headers for tunnelling.{{Cite web |title=Construction |url=https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/construction/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=Cross River Rail |language=en-AU |archive-date=13 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813081441/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/construction/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2019, work commenced on the demolition of the Brisbane Transit Centre.{{Cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/transport-minister-jackie-trad-seeks-public-input-to-revised-cross-river-rail-proposal-that-cuts-costs/news-story/4dfdea330dc3ea4b4046f5e64ced5476 |title=Infrastructure Minister Jackie Trad seeks public input to revised Cross River Rail proposal that cuts costs |author=Michael Madigan |author2=Sarah Vogler |access-date=24 April 2017 |date=26 February 2017 |newspaper=The Sunday Mail |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228223438/http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/transport-minister-jackie-trad-seeks-public-input-to-revised-cross-river-rail-proposal-that-cuts-costs/news-story/4dfdea330dc3ea4b4046f5e64ced5476 |url-status=live }}[https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/89092 Major demolition for Cross River Rail ramps up at Roma Street] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813084220/https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/89092 |date=13 August 2020 }} Minister for Innovation & Tourism Industry Development & Minister for Cross River Rail 18 December 2019 With an estimated capital cost of $5.4 billion it is expected to be the largest transport project ever built in Queensland.{{Cite web |title=Major contractors announced to build Cross River Rail |url=https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/news/major-contractors-announced-to-build-cross-river-rail/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Cross River Rail |language=en-AU |archive-date=26 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126042405/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/news/major-contractors-announced-to-build-cross-river-rail/ |url-status=live }} In addition, the project's detailed business case identifies the project will result in costs of $4.9 billion for additional services and complementary growth projects, and $4.4 billion for operation and maintenance costs over a 30-year period.Cross River Rail Detailed Business Case 2016, Executive Summary, pp 30–32 On 13 June 2017, the Queensland Government allocated $2.8 billion to start building the rail link.{{Cite news |url=http://www.afr.com/news/politics/queensland-budget-2017-annastacia--palaszczuk-to-go-it-alone-on-cross-river-rail-20170612-gwpudz |title=Queensland budget 2017: Annastacia Palaszczuk to go it alone on Cross River Rail |author=Mark Ludlow |access-date=19 June 2017 |date=13 June 2017 |newspaper=Australian Financial Review |publisher=Fairfax Media |archive-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613065752/http://www.afr.com/news/politics/queensland-budget-2017-annastacia--palaszczuk-to-go-it-alone-on-cross-river-rail-20170612-gwpudz |url-status=live }} The remaining $2.6 billion of capital costs and other project costs is proposed to be allocated in future budgets. Infrastructure Australia has observed that early project designs formed the basis of the project cost estimates and are prone to design maturity risks. Construction started in September 2017, with completion scheduled by 2024.{{Cite news |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/cross-river-rail-to-dominate-queensland-election/news-story/450b75bf750eb5d5dae361b763d2c4a4 |title=Cross River Rail to dominate Queensland election |access-date=19 June 2017 |date=17 June 2017 |newspaper=The Courier Mail |publisher=News Corp |archive-date=22 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222072401/https://www.couriermail.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=CMWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.couriermail.com.au%2Fnews%2Fqueensland%2Fqueensland-government%2Fcross-river-rail-to-dominate-queensland-election%2Fnews-story%2F450b75bf750eb5d5dae361b763d2c4a4&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=e057a0ed9b14c881542035a7357043d4-1608621839 |url-status=live }} The Labor Government has stated the project will provide more than 1,500 jobs each year during construction, and boost the Queensland economy by $70 million.{{Cite news|url=http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/6/13/labor-will-build-cross-river-rail|title=Labor will build Cross River Rail|access-date=2017-06-13|language=en-AU|archive-date=16 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616041725/http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/6/13/labor-will-build-cross-river-rail|url-status=live}}

File:Queensland Rail NGR drivers cab Platform 3 Roma Street Station Brisbane P1030055.jpg

The New Generation Rollingstock fleet will operate in the tunnels. The Queensland Government has also initiated a process of building a new fleet of 65 EMUs capable of operating on the new corridor, with the government committing $600 million to the first 20 trains in 2020.{{Cite web |date=2020-10-15 |title=20 Cross River Rail trains to be locally built under new commitment |url=https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2020/10/15/20-cross-river-rail-trains-to-be-locally-built-under-new-commitment/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=Infrastructure Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714035700/https://infrastructuremagazine.com.au/2020/10/15/20-cross-river-rail-trains-to-be-locally-built-under-new-commitment/ |url-status=live }} In 2021 three manufacturers were shortlisted for the project and the Queensland Government committed $7.1 billion to build all 65 trains, with construction to take place at a purpose-built facility in Maryborough.{{Cite web |title=Three train manufacturers shortlisted for Queensland train building program |url=https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92416 |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=Ministerial Media Statements |language=en |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814125858/https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92416 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Palaszczuk Government to invest $7.1 billion to make Queensland a train building powerhouse |url=https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/93565 |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=Ministerial Media Statements |language=en |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816003753/https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/93565 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Queensland Train Manufacturing Program |url=https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4647/rollingstock-expansion-program |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=gateway.icn.org.au |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127133344/https://gateway.icn.org.au/project/4647/rollingstock-expansion-program |url-status=live }} The design of the trains, and the eventual service plan for Cross River Rail, have not been detailed by the government.

The project is being delivered through public-private partnerships and contracts, and is arranged into three major infrastructure packages.{{Cite web |title=Project Delivery |url=https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/about/project-delivery/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Cross River Rail |language=en-AU |archive-date=26 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126042405/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/about/project-delivery/ |url-status=live }} The first is the Tunnel, Stations and Development public-private partnership to deliver the main underground and tunnelling works, the Rail, Integration and Systems alliance to deliver the rail system upgrades, and the European Train Control System contract to deliver the new signalling system. These contracts were awarded in 2019.

Cross River Rail will add an additional sector to the rail network, replacing the current main and suburban sectors. Exact operations of the network are yet to be publicly revealed, however in 2022 SEQ Rail Connect was published by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The document serves as a high level conceptual plan for integrating tunnel operations into the existing network with an emphasis on high service levels and network reliability. Sectorisation was chosen over grade separation to reduce construction and maintenance costs while allowing for high frequencies. The sectorised network will also reduce the propagation of service perturbation, ensuring any delays are contained within a single sector. According to SEQ Rail Connect the three sectors will consist of the following line pairs:

Sector 1 will operate north-south via the rebuilt Exhibition station and the Cross River Rail tunnel. Northern Lines include the Sunshine Coast line, Caboolture line and the Redcliffe Peninsula line. Southern Lines include the Gold Coast line and Beenleigh line.

Sector 2 will operate east-west via the existing inner-city core network. Eastern Lines are the Shorncliffe line, Airport line and Doomben line. Western Lines include the Ipswich and Rosewood line and Springfield Central line.

Sector 3 will operate east-west via the existing inner-city core network and the Merivale bridge incorporating the Ferny Grove and Cleveland lines. Exact line pairings and operations have not been publicly revealed by the State Government.

As part of the project 4 new underground stations will be built in Brisbane, 8 stations will be rebuilt including Exhibition station and stations between Dutton Park and Salisbury, and 3 new stations will be built on the Gold Coast line.

Four new underground rail stations will be built in central Brisbane, while Exhibition station will be expanded.{{Cite news|url=https://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/info/#new-stations-top|title=Turn-up-and-go transport for the whole of SEQ|work=Cross River Rail|access-date=2018-05-20|language=en-US|archive-date=21 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521022434/https://www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/info/#new-stations-top|url-status=live}} Dutton Park railway station is being relocated and rebuilt to the south of Annerley Road.

Boggo Road in the inner-city suburb of Dutton Park will be a busy transport hub with a direct interchange available with the proposed Brisbane Metro. The station will provide direct pedestrian access to Princess Alexandra Hospital and is proposed that 134 trains will pass through the station during the morning peak.[https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/boggo-road-station/ Boggo Road Station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826213431/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/boggo-road-station/ |date=26 August 2020 }} Cross City Rail Easy access to the University of Queensland will be available by transfer at the nearby Boggo Road busway station.

File:Woolloongabba railway station under construction in February 2021, 07.jpg under construction in February 2021]]

Woolloongabba will provide direct access to the Gabba Stadium and to the Mater health precinct.[https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/woolloongabba-station/ Woolloongabba Station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821054932/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/woolloongabba-station/ |date=21 August 2020 }} Cross City Rail It has nearby access to the high capacity South East Busway to the west. The Gabba was planned to be rebuilt for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, to serve as the main stadium.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-19 |title=New $1b Stadium: Gabba to be rebuilt as main Olympic stadium |url=https://brisbanedevelopment.com/new-1b-stadium-gabba-to-be-rebuilt-as-main-olympic-stadium/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=BrisbaneDevelopment.com |language=en-AU |archive-date=16 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016140737/https://brisbanedevelopment.com/new-1b-stadium-gabba-to-be-rebuilt-as-main-olympic-stadium/ |url-status=live }} In March 2025, the location was changed to Victoria Park, where a new stadium is to be constructed to serve as the main stadium.{{Cite news |date=2025-03-25 |title=New 63,000-seat stadium to be built in Brisbane for 2032 Olympics |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-25/brisbane-olympics-olympic-games-2032-stadium-premier-plans/105062348?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web |access-date=2025-03-31 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}

Albert Street will provide rail services to the southern part of the Brisbane CBD, providing direct access to the Parliament of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point Campus.[https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/albert-street-station/ Albert Street Station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921121518/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/albert-street-station/ |date=21 September 2020 }} Cross River Rail A station in the southern CBD was vital as both the existing Roma Street station and Central station are located in the northern part of the city.

A station in this area places it within walking distance of new growth areas such as Queen's Wharf and 1 William Street.

File:Demolition of Brisbane Transit Centre and construction of Cross River Rail, January 2020.jpg complex in January 2020, to make way for the new Roma Street station entrance.]]

The new underground Roma Street station will be an extension of the existing ground-level station that will provide direct access to the existing bus and train network as well the proposed Brisbane Metro. Demolition of the Brisbane Transit Centre commenced in December 2019, with it to be relocated partially underground near the underground platform entrances. A set of new high rise buildings will occupy the site.[https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/roma-street-station/ Roma Street Station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817093739/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/roma-street-station/ |date=17 August 2020 }} Cross River Rail

The subway and busway platforms at Roma Street station are also receiving a facelift as part of the project, to better integrate the new and existing station. Customers transferring from the above ground station to the underground or vice versa will benefit from a tap-less interchange.

The existing Exhibition station in the suburb of Bowen Hills will undergo an extensive upgrade. The station only opens a few times a year, servicing special events such as the Brisbane Ekka held at the Brisbane Showgrounds. After the station is upgraded, it will open year-round with high-frequency services connecting the surrounding residential community.[https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/exhibition-station/ Exhibition Station] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814225103/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/exhibition-station/ |date=14 August 2020 }} Cross River Rail

Seven existing rail stations will be upgraded at Dutton Park station, Fairfield station, Yeronga station, Yeerongpilly station, Moorooka station, Rocklea station and Salisbury station.{{Cite web |title=Southside Station Rebuilds |url=https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Cross River Rail |language=en-AU |archive-date=26 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126042406/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/ |url-status=live }} Stations will be rebuilt with additional accessibility features (such as braille maps and rubber platform gap fillers), high level platforms, new lifts, new enclosed stairs and overpasses for weather protection, and new drop-off and cycling facilities. Stations will also receive an additional third platform apart from Dutton Park station which will also be relocated and rebuilt to the south of Annerley Road. Yeerongpilly station's existing lifts and footbridge will be retained.{{Cite web |title=Yeerongpilly station |url=https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/yeerongpilly-station/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Cross River Rail |language=en-AU |archive-date=26 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126042403/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/stations-routes/salisbury-to-fairfield-line/yeerongpilly-station/ |url-status=live }}

In July 2021, the State Government announced that a further three stations would be built on the Gold Coast railway line as part of Cross River Rail.{{cite web |url=https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92640 |title=Media Statement: Detailed design released for new Pimpama station |author1=Annastacia Palaszczuk |author2=Mark Bailey |access-date=22 October 2021 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021225835/https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/92640 |url-status=live }} These will be located at Pimpama, Hope Island and Merrimac.

Barrambin Station (proposed)

Following the announcement of a new stadium and Aquatic centre at Victoria park for the 2032 Olympics, a new station has been proposed in this area due to the considerable distance from Exhibition Station. This proposed station would be built at grade, immediately north of the Northern Tunnel Portal and would use an existing pedestrian walk over the Inner City Bypass to service Victoria Park.

File:Albert Street railway station under construction in February 2021, 04.jpg under construction in February 2021]]

File:Construction site of new underground Roma Street railway station for Cross River Rail, April 2021 in Brisbane, 01.jpg in April 2021]]

In April 2016, the Queensland Government announced it would pass legislation to establish the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority to deliver the new project and any related public transport projects.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-07/cross-river-rail-unveiled-queensland-government/7307326|title=Third cross river rail plan for Brisbane unveiled|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2016-04-08|archive-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407075524/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-07/cross-river-rail-unveiled-queensland-government/7307326|url-status=live}} After finalisation of a business case in August 2017, construction officially started in September 2017, when work began on demolishing the defunct GoPrint building at Woolloongabba, to make way for Cross River Rail.

In April 2019, the Queensland Government appointed a CIMIC Group led consortium to deliver various aspects of the project. The consortium began work in late 2019, with a five year construction time frame.{{Cite news|url=https://www.urban.com.au/transport/2019/04/11/brisbanes-cross-river-rail-development-consortia-appointed-by-queensland-government|title=Brisbane's Cross River Rail development consortia appointed by Queensland government|date=2019-04-11|access-date=2019-05-01|first=Olivia|last=Round|website=urban.com.au|archive-date=1 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501101919/https://www.urban.com.au/transport/2019/04/11/brisbanes-cross-river-rail-development-consortia-appointed-by-queensland-government|url-status=live}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20200813081441/https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/construction/ Major construction has begun] Cross River Rail

In June 2021, construction was halted over one weekend because of worker concerns about the potential release of dangerous silica dust from the conveyor belt carrying tunnel spoil to the surface.{{cite web |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/deadly-dust-fears-prompt-walk-off-at-cross-river-rail-worksite-20210628-p584y2.html |title=Deadly dust fears prompt walk-off at Cross River Rail worksite |author=Matt Dennien |date=28 June 2021 |access-date=22 October 2021 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021230343/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/deadly-dust-fears-prompt-walk-off-at-cross-river-rail-worksite-20210628-p584y2.html |url-status=live }}

Spoil from the diggings is transported to Rochedale where it is made into bricks at a brickworks.{{cite AV media |date=18 October 2021 |title=Where does the spoil go? |type=TV news report |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czIrECEpGpY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/czIrECEpGpY |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=23 October 2021 |location=Brisbane |publisher=Nine News }}{{cbignore}} The bricks will be used in housing construction in South East Queensland.

One of the tunnel boring machines (TBM) was named after Professor Else Shephard, the other after Merle Thornton.{{cite news |last=Parnell |first=Sean |date=22 December 2020 |title=A boring task as ground-breaking women will again stop Brisbane in its tracks |url=https://inqld.com.au/news/2020/12/22/a-boring-task-but-two-ground-breaking-women-will-again-stop-brisbane-in-its-tracks/ |work=InQueensland |publisher=In Queensland Media |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115063610/https://inqld.com.au/news/2020/12/22/a-boring-task-but-two-ground-breaking-women-will-again-stop-brisbane-in-its-tracks/ |url-status=live }} Pre-cast concrete segments were manufactured at Wacol by Wagners, a Toowoomba-based construction company.{{cite web |url=https://centenarytoday.com.au/wacol-facility-to-supply-tunnel-segments-for-cross-river-rail/ |title=Wagners Will Supply Tunnel Segments for Cross River Rail |website=centenarytoday.com.au |publisher= |access-date=15 November 2021 |archive-date=15 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115063612/https://centenarytoday.com.au/wacol-facility-to-supply-tunnel-segments-for-cross-river-rail/ |url-status=live }} TBM Else completed its tunnel boring when it broke through to the northern portal on 25 November 2021.{{cite AV media |date=26 November 2021 |title=TBM Else breaks through at the Northern Portal |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJmY_6bvUv8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/bJmY_6bvUv8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=27 November 2021 |location=Brisbane |publisher=Cross River Rail }}{{cbignore}} The second machine completed its tunnelling on 17 December 2021. By September 2022, track had been laid under the river linking Albert Street and Woolloongabba stations.{{cite news |date=26 September 2022 |title=Tracks fully laid beneath Brisbane River |url=https://www.railexpress.com.au/tracks-fully-laid-beneath-brisbane-river/ |work=RailExpress |publisher=Prime Creative Media |access-date=29 September 2022 |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927213723/https://www.railexpress.com.au/tracks-fully-laid-beneath-brisbane-river/ |url-status=live }}

Jacobs Engineering Group is responsible for reconfiguring the existing network, supply and installation of supporting rail systems and seven station upgrades.{{cite news |date=25 January 2020 |title=Jacobs Alliance to Serve Australia's Cross River Rail Project |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/jacobs-alliance-serve-australias-cross-141602930.html |work=yahoo!news |publisher=yahoo! |access-date=27 November 2021 |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127055843/https://au.news.yahoo.com/jacobs-alliance-serve-australias-cross-141602930.html |url-status=live }}

The first test train entered the northern tunnel portal in October 2024. Despite much of Roma Street Station and the northern portal being complete, the rest of project is still in heavy construction phase.{{cite AV media |date=7 November 2024 |title=See the first test train in the Cross River Rail tunnels |language=English |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlYp81HrUEg |access-date=10 November 2024}}

In December 2024 the Minister for Transport and Main Roads announced a 3 year opening delay due to budget blowouts, strike action, and delays in new rollingstock.{{Cite web |title=MEDIA STATEMENT: Labor racked up more than $17 billion for Cross River Rail |url=https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101708 |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Ministerial Media Statements |language=en}} This claim was however contradicted by the national rail safety regulator.{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=Matt Dennien, Felicity |date=2024-12-11 |title=‘A matter for them’: Regulator contradicts LNP Cross River Rail delay claims |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/cross-river-rail-delayed-until-2029-amid-budget-blowout-lnp-claims-20241211-p5kxj6.html |access-date=2024-12-23 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}}

In March 2022, it was announced that the Maroochydore railway line would be planned and built ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, with a number of new stations on the branch line and trains running through Cross River Rail.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Tony |date=2022-03-29 |title=Brisbane to Maroochydore in 70 mins under 2032 rail plan |url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/brisbane-to-maroochydore-in-70-mins-under-2032-rail-plan-20220329-p5a8vj.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126042405/https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/brisbane-to-maroochydore-in-70-mins-under-2032-rail-plan-20220329-p5a8vj.html |archive-date=26 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Brisbane Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Peter |date=2022-03-27 |title='Out of cars and onto trains': the $1.6B bid for Sunshine Coast rail link |url=https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2022/03/27/sunshine-coast-rail-pledge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126042432/https://www.sunshinecoastnews.com.au/2022/03/27/sunshine-coast-rail-pledge/ |archive-date=26 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Sunshine Coast News |language=en-AU}}

{{Portal|Railways|Queensland}}

• Brisbane Metro
• List of transport megaprojects
• List of tunnels in Australia
• Transport in Brisbane
• Queensland Rail City network, Brisbane's current rail network

{{Reflist}}

• {{official website|www.crossriverrail.qld.gov.au}}

{{Public transport in Queensland}}

{{Railway lines in Queensland |state=expanded}}

Category:Brisbane railway lines

Category:Proposed railway lines in Brisbane

Category:Proposed railway tunnels in Oceania

Category:Proposed tunnels in Australia

Category:Public transport in Brisbane

Category:Transport infrastructure under construction

Category:Underground commuter rail

Category:2026 in rail transport